Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cool, IA
Thinking of moving to Cool, IA? With a welcoming population of 1,200 and a median home price of $148,000, Cool offers affordable living and a relaxed, rural atmosphere. Residents enjoy short average commutes of about 20 minutes, low rent, and a lower-than-average cost of living. The crime rate is modest, and local schools provide small class sizes. Experience all four seasons with plenty of sunny days, making Cool a great choice for families or anyone seeking peaceful small-town life.
Demographics - Cool, IA
Cool, IA is home to about 1,200 residents, with a median age of 43.2, offering a friendly small-town vibe. The population is predominantly White, and the community maintains a near-balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a cohesive, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
1,200
Density:
55 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cool, IA?
Living in Cool is notably affordable, with a median home value of $148,000 and average rent around $740. The overall cost of living index is 87.5, making it less expensive than national averages, while everyday expenses like groceries and utilities remain budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$148,000
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$112
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
70.5
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
91.5
Crime
Is Cool, IA a safe place to live?
Cool maintains a modest crime rate, with violent crime occurring less frequently than national averages—about 220 incidents per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 455 chance of encountering violent crime, contributing to a sense of safety in this small community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,470
Crime Index:
1,690
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Cool, IA year-round?
Residents in Cool experience all four seasons, from chilly winters that dip to 10°F to warm summers reaching 85°F. With 56% sunny days and about 34.7 inches of annual rainfall, the climate provides a pleasant balance for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The typical household in Cool earns around $61,300 annually, with a family median income of $74,200. Education levels are strong, with over 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and daily life is supported by short 20-minute commutes and a low unemployment rate.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$61,300
Family Income:
$74,200
Per Capita Income:
$30,900
Income Male:
$42,800
Income Female:
$35,400
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in Cool, IA?
Cool offers quality education with local public schools like Cool Elementary and Middle School, both featuring small class sizes. Families also have access to private options and are within commuting distance to major colleges such as Des Moines Area Community College and Grand View University.

Public Schools
Name:
Cool Elementary School
Street:
101 Main St
Phone:
515-555-1100
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Cool Middle School
Street:
205 Oak Ave
Phone:
515-555-1120
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Catholic School
Street:
410 5th St
Phone:
515-555-2100
Students:
85

Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
31 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
Grand View University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Cool is supported by facilities like Madison County Memorial Hospital, and about 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. With nearly two physicians per 1,000 people, the area offers reliable basic medical care for its population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Madison County Memorial Hospital
Address:
300 W Hutchings St, Winterset, IA 50273
Phone:
(515) 462-2373
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cool, IA?
Cool’s housing market is accessible, featuring a median home price of $148,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 75.5%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, and rental vacancies remain manageable, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$148,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$740
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Cool residents are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, located in nearby Ankeny. The DMV offers comprehensive services both in-person and online, ensuring convenient access for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.